Pilotage exemption certificates

You can apply for a new pilotage exemption certificate (PEC) by email.

It must be emailed to pec@nt.gov.au or it will not be processed.

Before you apply

You must have all of the following before you apply:

• a certificate of competency consisting of:
  • a current certificate as an Australian Master appropriate for the size of vessel
  • or a current Certificate of Recognition issued by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA)
  • or a current certificate of competency as master appropriate for the size of vessel, not issued by AMSA but eligible for the issue of a Certificate of Recognition by AMSA through bilateral agreement with the issuing flag state a current certificate of competence or a certificate of recognition issued by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) appropriate to the size of the vessel
• a valid certificate of medical fitness in accordance with marine orders part 9.

You must also provide a record of trips within 12 months immediately before your application showing you have:

• completed not less than four voyages through the compulsory pilotage zone of the port, with a licensed pilot, in command of the vessel for which the application is made
• or completed not less than:
  • three voyages through the compulsory pilotage zone of the port as chief mate, on duty on the bridge throughout the entire voyage, on the vessel for which the application is made
  • two voyages through the compulsory pilotage zone of the port, with a licensed pilot, in command of the vessel for which the application is made.

How to apply

To apply for a new PEC follow these steps

Step 1: Application

Fill in the PEC application PDF (305.2 KB) and submit this with the documents listed above to pec@nt.gov.au.

Your application will not be accepted unless all documentation is submitted with the application and complete.

Step 2: Pay invoice

The invoice will be sent to the address included on your application form. Read about marine fees including PEC fees.

Step 3: Examination

Once an application has been approved you must apply for an exam time. The exam will be held at:

Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics
Level 2, Energy House
18 Cavenagh Street
Darwin NT

To read about the exam criteria get the Darwin pilotage standards:

Darwin pilotage standards PDF (1.7 MB)
Darwin pilotage standards  DOCX (656.8 KB)

Step 4: Pilot assessment

When you have completed your exam, it will be forwarded to the pilotage service provider.

This will take at least 24 hours for marking.

You can't have a pilot assessment until your exam has been marked.

To book a pilot assessment email shipping@darwinport.com.au and copy your email to pec@nt.gov.au.

Once you have passed two pilot assessments you will be given a PEC number and an electronic certificate by email.

Your PEC will need to be revalidated every two years to remain current.

For more information on how to apply see the flowchart below.

Apply for new PEC checklist PDF (309.4 KB)
Apply for new PEC checklist  DOCX (277.8 KB)